A complete section-wise guide to the SBI Clerk 2026 syllabus, covering Prelims and Mains pattern, marks, timing and the exact topics you must master to score.
The SBI Clerk (Junior Associate) selection has two online stages: Preliminary and Main. Both are computer-based tests (CBT) with objective questions, and there is a Language proficiency test at the end of the Mains stage. A clear grip on the section-wise syllabus is the single biggest advantage you can build, because every wrong answer carries a penalty of 0.25 of that question's marks, while unattempted questions cost you nothing.
Before diving into topics, fix the structure in your mind. Prelims is a 100-question screening round, and Mains is the scoring round that decides your final merit. Treat them as two different battles with shared weapons: accuracy, speed and revision.
One habit worth building early is to read the official recruitment notification the moment it is released. State Bank of India publishes the exact vacancies, important dates, category-wise breakup and any pattern change on its official website, and that document, not coaching rumours, is the only source you should trust for the final structure.
The Prelims is a 1-hour exam of 100 questions worth 100 marks, with a separate 20-minute time limit for each section. You must clear the cut-off in every section to move ahead.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 min |
| Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 min |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 min |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 min |
The high-yield topics by section are:
A key point candidates often miss is that your Prelims score is only a qualifying gate. The marks you score here are not carried into the final merit list, so the aim in Prelims is simply to clear each sectional cut-off comfortably and secure a Mains call. That single insight changes how you attempt the paper, because chasing risky extra questions in Prelims adds no long-term value once you are safely above the line.
The Mains is the decisive stage. It has 190 questions for 200 marks in 160 minutes, with a composite time across four sections. There is no descriptive paper, but a Language proficiency test follows at the end.
| Section | Questions |
|---|---|
| General/Financial Awareness | 50 |
| English Language | 40 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 |
| Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude | 50 |
| Total | 190 |
The four sections together carry 200 marks. Because the composite time is tight, you cannot afford to linger on any one section, so plan a rough time budget before the exam and stick to it.
The Language proficiency test that follows Mains checks that you can read, write and understand the official or local language of the state you applied for. It is qualifying in nature, so it should not intimidate you, but candidates who did not study in that language should confirm their eligibility early and practise basic reading and writing so this stage never becomes a surprise.
The Mains rewards depth, not just speed. Build topic mastery in each area:
Convert the syllabus into a weekly plan. A practical sequence looks like this:
Practising on a realistic CBT interface matters as much as solving questions. On Quiz4Exam you can attempt SBI Clerk mock tests, sectional tests and topic-wise tests, then review detailed solutions and percentile analysis to see exactly where you stand against an all-India rank.
A few disciplined habits separate selected candidates from the rest:
Master the section-wise breakdown above, practise consistently, and the SBI Clerk 2026 exam becomes a test you walk into with a plan rather than hope.
Put this into practice: attempt a free SBI Clerk mock test on the real exam interface, with instant scoring, solutions and All India Rank. No payment or card details needed.
Always confirm the latest dates, vacancies and pattern on the official website before applying.
SBI Clerk Prelims 2026 has 100 questions for 100 marks in 60 minutes. It covers English Language (30 questions), Numerical Ability (35 questions) and Reasoning Ability (35 questions), with a separate 20-minute limit for each section.
SBI Clerk Mains 2026 has 190 questions for 200 marks in 160 minutes across four sections: General/Financial Awareness (50), English Language (40), Quantitative Aptitude (50) and Reasoning Ability and Computer Aptitude (50). A Language proficiency test follows at the end.
Yes. Every wrong answer carries a penalty of 0.25 of that question's marks in both Prelims and Mains. Unattempted questions carry no penalty, so avoid blind guessing.
No. SBI Clerk Mains 2026 has no descriptive writing paper. It is fully objective, though candidates must clear a Language proficiency test at the end of the Mains stage.
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